Our failed bail system

The majority of Americans who are behind bars are not serving a sentence; they’re awaiting trial. Many of these people were arrested for minor drug possession or driving with a suspended license and couldn’t afford bail. Micah Derry of Arnold Ventures, a philanthropy that seeks to minimize social injustices, talks with us about people spending an average of 28 days in jail while awaiting trial on minor misdemeanor charges. And while these people sit in jail, they lose their jobs, face eviction and confront other hardships. Proposed legislation, S.B. 182, would drastically the change the system for the better. Listen to the conversation.

___________________________________

Lawyer Up! Columbus is produced by Behal Law Group lawyers Jack D’Aurora and John Gonzales

_____________________________________________________________

27
OCT

Kay G. October 28, 2021

The author is correct that many wait in jail due to lack of funds. Yet another example of how the disadvantaged are under a less equitable justice system than those with funds. American justice is lacking in fairness. Not only do those without funds remain in jail until trial, they also lack better legal representation than those lucky enough to have more money. It is also true that many lack money, await time in jail, lose jobs but are then found not guilty. Many times those in jail for years and perhaps facing a death sentence are found to be not guilty after years. The reason is lack of adequate legal representation. Not a fair system in any way, shape or form.
reply

Subscribe to Comments

Blog